Long, lazy Cape Town summer days are perfect for lingering over lunches – find a nook of shade and settle in to soak up wide-ranging discussions with close friends. Summer dinners are laid-back but gorgeous, with balmy weather and company complemented by incredible food created by truly gifted chefs. One of the most innovative is Chef Germaine of The Vineyard’s Myoga Restaurant.
Myoga’s Asian-inspired fusion cuisine has long been a favourite on the Cape dining scene, and Chef Germaine’s zen approach is bringing the restaurant to the attention of a new generation of ethical foodies. He is passionate about sustainable sourcing, using locally foraged foods he collects himself and incorporates into his dishes. His new Summer Menu is a contemporary melding of global influences and the finest, fresh Cape ingredients, conjured with passion into dishes that take their place at the head of the new culinary revolution.
Watermelon, strawberries, summer tomatoes, olives and cheeses; mango, chai ice cream, pink pepper, and pecan crumble… Those are just the first starters and the last dessert on the new à la carte menu.
In between, you’ll find the intriguing mains and discover the combinations that delight Chef Germaine’s legions of fans: Pine-roasted quail, nettle, confit carrot, onion, nasturtium and peppered jus. Pan-fried sustainable fish, mussel mousse, sesame and cashew xo with beetroot ketchup. Beef tender cut, bone-marrow crumb, king oyster mushroom, smoked potato truffle mousseline, dandelion, and sauce bordelaise. Pumpkin gnocchi, sage, feta, pumpkin seeds, pickled mushroom with dune spinach. “Goat biryani”, tandoori cauliflower, mustard potato, nihari-spiced jus, and crispy rice…
It’s fine dining in a sophisticated but easy-going atmosphere – the hardest thing you’ll have to do is choose between the alluring options.
Best of all, there’s the famous Tasting Menu – five courses named “the earth”, “the sea”, “the sky”, “the land” and “sweet”. The first two, each comprising three immaculate portions of Chef Germaine’s signature dishes, are followed by duck-liver parfait with dark chocolate, cacao nibs and loquats in textures, and then Wagyu sirloin with charred aubergine, onion, mushroom marmalade, turnip, and horseradish juice. The Sweet is a heavenly dégustation of three exquisite desserts.
Every summer has its own story of food, friends, and sunshine. Whether you’re looking for your favourite à la carte menu staples, served as you’ve never encountered them before, or the signature five-course tasting menu, Myoga is a summer dining experience that cannot be missed.
Contact: 021 657 4545
Address: 60 Colinton Rd, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
Website: https://www.vineyard.co.za/dining/myoga/
Pictures: Supplied
